Packing tips for kayaking
Practical tips for packing your kayak smartly, plus a complete interactive packing list for the weekend trip.
How to pack your kayak
A sea kayak has limited space. Pack smart with multiple small dry bags and proper weight distribution — it makes the trip safer and more comfortable.
Front bulkhead
Clothes, sleeping bag, electronics
Cockpit
Map, VHF, snacks
Day hatch
Food, water, first aid
Rear bulkhead
Tent, shoes, large items
- Clothes in dry bag
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Electronics
Light gear — on top
- Map in map case
- VHF radio
- Snacks
- Water bottle
Under deck / in PFD
- Lunch food
- Water bottle
- First aid
- Sunscreen
Easy access
- Tent and pegs
- Stove and fuel
- Pots/cutlery
- Shoes
- Fresh water
Heavy — at bottom, nearest cockpit
Heaviest nearest the cockpit and lowest down for a low centre of gravity and good stability.
The kayak is designed to go upwind — keep the weight aft.
Dry bags and pack sacks
Everything that can't handle water goes in waterproof dry bags. Hatches can leak — never trust that the kayak is dry inside!
- Best size for kayaking: 5–20 litres
- Several small bags are easier to pack than one large
- Choose quality bags — the thinnest ones won't hold up
Deck — keep it clean!
Keep the deck as clean as possible. Things on deck catch wind and make the kayak harder to paddle. Only safety equipment belongs on deck.
On deck:
Secure with bungees and carabiners. Things on the rear deck can make self-rescue difficult!
5 golden packing tips
- 1Everything that can't handle water goes in waterproof dry bags
- 2It's easier to utilise the space with several small bags
- 3Heavy gear goes lowest down and nearest the cockpit
- 4Keep the deck as clean as possible to catch less wind
- 5Do a test pack before departure to make sure you have everything!
Packing list — Weekend kayak trip
Check off as you pack. The list is automatically saved in your browser.
All clothing and equipment must be carefully considered based on season, water temperature and conditions you will be paddling in!